August Wines of the Month: One White and One Red Worth Opening

Some months call for a complicated bottle and a long tasting-note conversation. August is not one of those months. This month’s picks are easy to enjoy, easy to pair and interesting enough to make an ordinary dinner feel a little more special.

We chose one bright white for warm evenings and one smooth red that works whether dinner comes from the grill, the oven or a takeout bag. No wine degree required.

White Wine of the Month

House of Brown 2024 Sauvignon Blanc — Lodi, California

Why we picked it: This Sauvignon Blanc brings freshness without tasting sharp or overly grassy. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 91 points and named it a Best Buy, making it a strong combination of quality, personality and approachable pricing.

What it tastes like: Look for lemongrass, white peach, citrus blossom and honeydew melon, followed by bright mineral notes and a clean limestone-like finish. The producer also describes touches of Meyer lemon, key lime, green apple peel and a subtle sea-spray character.

What to serve with it: Try it with grilled shrimp, chicken salad, goat cheese, pesto pasta, sushi or a simple cheese-and-cracker plate. It is also a great porch wine when dinner is still just an idea.

How to serve it: Chill it well, then let the bottle sit out for about ten minutes before pouring. That small warm-up helps the fruit and floral notes show themselves.

The Mom’s Wine Club verdict: Bright, polished and easy to bring anywhere. This is the bottle for poolside conversations, casual appetizers and the friend who always says she wants something crisp.

Red Wine of the Month

Decoy 2023 California Pinot Noir

Why we picked it: Pinot Noir is one of the easiest reds to place on a mixed table, and this one delivers familiar California fruit with enough spice and freshness to keep it interesting. Wine Enthusiast awarded the 2023 vintage 90 points.

What it tastes like: Expect supple red fruit, warm spice, a touch of citrus, toasted oak, floral notes and dried herbs. It is smooth and flavorful without becoming too heavy, which makes it especially useful during the transition from summer into fall.

What to serve with it: Pair it with salmon, roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, mushroom pizza, burgers, charcuterie or slightly smoky grilled vegetables. It can even handle pizza night without turning dinner into a formal event.

How to serve it: Give the bottle about twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening. A slight chill makes the red-fruit flavors feel fresher and keeps the wine lively.

The Mom’s Wine Club verdict: A dependable crowd-pleaser that feels polished but never fussy. It is the bottle to open when one person wants red, another wants something lighter and nobody wants to debate it.

If You Only Buy One…

Choose the House of Brown Sauvignon Blanc if your table leans toward seafood, salads, appetizers and sunny afternoons. Choose the Decoy Pinot Noir if you are serving grilled food, pizza, roasted dishes or anything involving mushrooms.

Our honest recommendation? Get both. Put the white in the refrigerator, keep the red nearby and let the evening decide.

Cheers to August

Great wine does not need to be intimidating or saved for a special occasion. Sometimes the best bottle is simply the one that fits the food, the weather and the people sitting around the table. These two picks do exactly that.

Have you tried either bottle? Tell us which one belongs in your glass—or share your own wine-of-the-month nomination with the Mom’s Wine Club community.